Like I mentioned I too was at the 1997 Fiesta Bowl. It was a fantastic experience. If you haven't been to a bowl game yet, you should try to go. I think all college football fans should make a pilgrimage to a bowl game at some point in their lives, if you're able.

I saw both PSU-Auburn bowl games in Fla. The first one (New Years '96) Bobby Engram dazzled in a monsoon. My wife still complains to people how I made us stay well into the fourth quarter. The second one (New Years '03) was the worst PSU offensive performance in a bowl game, ever. Awful game.

This game I think has been made tougher with the loss of Moorhead...that edge you need against an equally good team might be missing on offense. I hate to say it, but if I was a betting man today I'd take UW and the points.

I almost forgot my quintessential lowlife bowl trip to PSU-Alabama, New Years Eve 1975. A high school buddy and I threw some stuff into his '62 Rambler station wagon and set out from PA for New Orleans with sleeping bags, sandwiches and a gallon of motor oil. After the game (and some crazy hours on Bourbon St) we went back to the car only to realize that the lot was fenced in and locked tight so we had to hang with the street bums until dawn. Gone four days without bathing I walked into the house and my dad asked how I was able to squeeze in shifts in a coal mine while attending the Sugar Bowl. Good times.

Is anyone here going to the game? If it was in Tempe, I would consider, but the Glendale farm huts are a bit fringe for me. I think there is a paved road that way - but I can not say for certain. Someone told me that before a Cardinals games they enjoyed a Shoot a Chicken Skill Booth and the Cow Teat Target Competition was engaging for the kids. So - could be fun.

Reading up on game and I think they could rename it the "Mutual Respect Bowl" - no bad blood between fans, players or coaches anywhere.

I don't think this is a good match up for PSU. UW is #1 against run (and much of that may come from being in a weak conference that doesn't emphasize run) and they have a good, experienced QB. That has potential for PSU to struggle possessing ball and the secondary tiring out and getting picked apart in 2nd half (i.e. the OSU game and last year's Rose Bowl).

For PSU to win I believe they will need:1. McSorely to be on - if he is erratic and they can stack run and force 3 and outs that will be a big issue for PSU2. Generate 3 TOs and or be at least + 2 in TO margin - best way to cut opponents TOP is with a TO3. They don't need to win TOP but keep it within a 10 minute differential - if O can't sustain drives / run and D can't generate TOs or a rush it will be a long day.

As I have said earlier - beating top teams on the road / neutral site is the last hurdle for CJF in building program. Let's see what direction they go.